Alabama announced Friday that Sims, who spent last season as backup to AJ McCarron, would transfer after the spring semester and that supporting his family in Chesapeake, Va., would be his priority.

Under transfer rules, Sims would have to sit out a season, but could seek immediate eligibility from the NCAA if his family circumstances warrant it.

Sims came to Alabama as a highly rated prospect. Rivals.com rated him as the 67th best overall player in the 2010 recruiting class.

But Sims lost the battle with McCarron last season to replace Greg McElroy and saw limited playing time last season. He played in eight games and threw for 163 yards on 18 of 28 passing with two interceptions.

With Sims’ transfer, Alabama will have McCarron at quarterback with two backups who haven’t thrown a college pass in sophomore Phillip Ely and incoming freshman Alec Morris.